Whitewash the face of hungerWhen all the features have been removedpaint on the smile, the laughing eyesShow the tourists what they wantBut not too closeBehind the grinning façade are slumswhich rob the people of all dignity

A fan screen blowing in a random breeze

The trail of dust which siftsup to the dirt road leads to where the earthis stone and breaks the hoe. The seedscannot be coaxed in rain whichdoes not comeYou walk away with calloushands, defeat

A fan screen blowing in a random breeze

The fishing boats come inThe sea has drawn a seal between itself and themThere is nothing to be saidEach man goes down to drown in silent thoughtThe only movement is their eyes which straytowards the mouths of disappointedfamily and friends

A fan screen blowing in a random breeze

This is no door which swings halfoff its hinges and yet protects you stillThis is the worm-holes of decay and rotIt creaks with every stir you makegroans with every breath you takemoans with every current of airtrapped by your weary feetIn a random breeze it fans the overflowingcesspit of poverty and want

FEEDBACK

Lord, Please walk beside me through this day. Clear the heavy air with the lightness of Your Presence. Guide my hands and steady my heart that I may give comfort when I cannot give hope, that I may give relief when I do not have a cure, and that I may radiate Your healing peace when the limits of science, time, and the human body overwhelm us all.Amen